Rea Garvey

Raymond "Rea" Michael Garvey (born 3 May 1973) is an Irish singer, songwriter and guitarist based in Germany. In 1998, he formed the band Reamonn. Over the 11 years that Garvey was their frontman, they saw chart-topping success in Europe, with a number of gold and platinum selling albums, Tuesday, Dream No. 7, Beautiful Sky, Wish and Eleven and several sold out European tours. In 2010, after the release of the band's best-of album/DVD Eleven, and a best-of tour, the band parted ways. Garvey took this time to pursue a solo career, which gave birth to his first solo album Can't Stand the Silence in 2011. This album saw Garvey's transition from anthem rock with Reamonn, to alternative electro-pop.

Early life

Garvey was born on 3 May 1973 in Tralee, Ireland. He is the third of eight children and the only boy. His father works as a police chief, both parents are Catholic and very strict in their upbringing. By his own admission, Rea often went over the top in his youth – taking drugs, occasionally getting into fights, and getting arrested a few times – until he found a more moderate path with music.

Career

Frontman

Garvey gained his first musical experience as frontman of the Dublin band The Reckless Pedestrians. In 1998, he immigrated to Germany without being able to speak German. In Upper Swabia, Garvey initially stayed with friends. He earned his living as a T-shirt salesman and roadie at music festivals.